WSU DOCTOR HEADS FIRST PUBLIC IVF UNIT IN THE PROVINCE

Driven by a deep commitment to restoring hope where access to specialised healthcare remains out of reach for many, gynaecologist and IVF specialist in reproductive medicine, Dr Vulikhaya Mpumlwana, is leading a life-changing initiative aimed at serving the Eastern Cape’s most vulnerable communities.

In a province where infertility treatment has long been a privilege reserved for those who can afford private care, Mpumlwana is at the helm of a transformative intervention that speaks directly to Walter Sisulu University’s mandate of being responsive to societal needs.

He now heads the Eastern Cape’s first public In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) unit, launched at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital (NMAH) in Mthatha, a milestone that opens new possibilities for couples who previously had no access to assisted reproductive services.

From WSU’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences’ Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mpumlwana is supported by a team of publicly trained professionals, which include an embryologist, advanced midwives and specialised nurses.

Explaining how the service will operate, Mpumlwana said the process will begin with referrals and patient assessment.

“Patients will be booked via our gynae outpatient department and bookings will be through a referral system which is either coming from our peripheral hospital or any other hospital that wants to refer a patient. Referrals can either be done by a gynaecologist or a general practitioner,” said Mpumlwana.

Once patient meets the criteria only then will they be referred to the reproductive medicine unit where discussions on treatment and costs will begin.

The opening ceremony was officiated by the Eastern Cape MEC for Health, Ntandokazi Capa.

“Public health must be comprehensive, not selective. We cannot treat cancer and ignore infertility. We cannot speak about women’s health and exclude reproductive justice. We cannot talk about dignity while denying people the possibility of a family. As we cut this ribbon today, we are not only opening a laboratory. We are opening doors to parenthood, dignity, justice, and possibilities to every couple who felt unseen,” said Capa.

She emphasised that this was not a pilot, but a flagship service. The clinic is fully equipped, with laboratory equipment installed and tested.

Meanwhile, faculty executive dean, Professor Wezile Chitha acknowledged the critical role of NMAH as the primary academic training site, stating that the university cannot survive or grow without it.

“Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital is essential for the university’s aspirations of becoming globally competitive in medicine and health sciences. It is going to be the driver of research productivity,” said Chitha.

He also made a plea that the clinic’s priority be to serve the underprivileged and vulnerable as they deserve it more than anyone else.

The launch was a testament to the long standing partnership between WSU and ECDoH, which continues to drive impactful improvements in public healthcare delivery across the province.

The two parties share a 10-year Memorandum of Agreement. Through this partnership, WSU doctors are trained within public hospitals, embodying WSU’s mission of combining academic excellence with community impact.

The collaboration strengthens clinical training, research, specialist development and sustainability of services.

By Thandeka Mgqibi